Holladay Distillery
Discover Missouri's oldest operating distillery, savoring historic bourbon recipes and exploring beautiful grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Holladay Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Missouri's oldest operating distillery, savoring historic bourbon recipes and exploring beautiful grounds.
"Morgan and the Holladay team was a cut above the rest for sure!"
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Tours fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book online in advance to secure your spot!
🥃 Taste the History
Don't miss the tasting! Guides share insights on each bourbon's unique profile.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Stillhouse
Original Stillhouse
Witness the heart of bourbon production, where the original recipe comes to life in historic stills.
Rickhouse Exploration
Rickhouses
Step inside the aging warehouses and discover the magic of bourbon maturation in Missouri oak barrels.
Bourbon Tasting Experience
Tasting Room
Savor a curated selection of Holladay's finest bourbons, guided by knowledgeable staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the History & Bourbon
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Tours fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book online in advance to secure your spot!
🥃 Taste the History
Don't miss the tasting! Guides share insights on each bourbon's unique profile.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
The property is beautiful and well-maintained. Allow time to stroll before or after your tour.
🍸 Enjoy a Pre-Tour Drink
The bar area offers a great lounge and porch space to relax before your tour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Tours fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book online in advance to secure your spot!
🥃 Taste the History
Don't miss the tasting! Guides share insights on each bourbon's unique profile.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
The property is beautiful and well-maintained. Allow time to stroll before or after your tour.
🍸 Enjoy a Pre-Tour Drink
The bar area offers a great lounge and porch space to relax before your tour.
🚗 Consider Weekdays
For a potentially less crowded experience, opt for a weekday tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the exceptional tour guides, particularly Morgan, Jackie, and Emma, who are praised for their knowledge and engaging personalities. The beautiful grounds and the quality of the bourbon tasting are also frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a memorable experience for many.
"Holladay Distillery is a great tour! We enjoyed our tour and our tour guide so much. The history and all the stories were very well told. The property is beautiful and very well maintained. The tasting at the end was so good as well! Really enjoyed the discussion with our tour guide and how she likes to drink each bourbon."
Ashley Royal
"Visited and then Scheduled tour!
Honestly, we had amazing bar tenders/hosts for each visit, but Morgan as a tour guide was like icing on a cake. She was so fun, entertaining, and knowledgeable. Having recently toured Bourbon Country the past year, Morgan and the Holladay team was a cut above the rest for sure! Like a 4th-floor honeypot barrell treasure!
We also had an amazing visit to the downtown store as well. Thanks Holladay!!
PS, you should make icecream topping out of the day 3 foam and offer sundaes with vanilla icecream, Irish cream, and the day 3 foam as an optional topper for savory fans like me!!"
Julie Leggett
"This was the main event of a birthday weekend to the KC area. I want to tell you how amazing this place is. We were the first tour of the day, and we arrived shortly after they opened the doors for the day. We were greeted as we entered into the bar area by Morgan with the biggest smile and the warmest greeting. She gave us a quick run down of the main area and let us go and check it all out. We let them know that we were there for the tour and they checked us in. We got a couple of drinks from the bar area and waited for our tour to start. There is a great indoor lounge space and a really cool porch space to enjoy your drinks. Everything was amazing. Then we met our tour guide Jackie and she was even better. Everyone was checked in and ready for the tour so we got started a little early. The tour itself was amazing and full of great information and some interactive parts mixed in. It finished up in the tasting room where we tried a handful of the bourbons that they distill as well as an Irish cream product that they distill as well. What an amazing experience. It was the talk of the rest of the trip. Would I do it again 100 percent yes! This was an amazing experience and if you are on the fence if it is worth the price tag. Book with confidence you will have a great time! Beautiful property with great staff."
Jeremy TeGrotenhuis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Holladay Distillery is located in Weston, Missouri, about 30-40 minutes northwest of Kansas City. Visitors often drive, and parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options to Weston are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the distillery.
The most straightforward route from Kansas City is by car, typically via I-29 North. Rideshare services may also be an option, but confirm availability in Weston.
Yes, there are several hotels in the nearby areas of Weston and Platte City, offering convenient accommodation for visitors.
Absolutely! Holladay Distillery makes for an excellent day trip from Kansas City, offering tours and tastings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary, but generally range from $20-$30 per person. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and to book tickets.
Yes, booking your tour in advance is highly recommended, as tours often sell out, especially on weekends.
Tours typically include a guided walk through the distillery's historic grounds, learning about the bourbon-making process, and a tasting of their products.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Holladay Distillery website for the most up-to-date hours of operation and tour availability.
Yes, you can purchase Holladay bourbon and other products at their onsite store.
🎫 🥃 Onsite Experience
Expect an engaging tour led by knowledgeable guides who share the distillery's rich history and the intricacies of bourbon production. You'll explore historic buildings and finish with a tasting.
While specific tour offerings may change, they generally focus on the history and production process, culminating in a tasting. Check their website for current options.
The tasting typically includes a selection of their bourbons and potentially their Irish cream. Guides often share tasting notes and how to best enjoy each spirit.
Yes, there's a welcoming bar area with indoor lounge space and an outdoor porch, perfect for enjoying a drink before or after your tour.
Popular products include their Soft Red Wheat Bourbon and the Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond expressions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Holladay Distillery primarily focuses on bourbon production and tastings. While they may offer some light snacks, they do not have a full-service restaurant.
Yes, the town of Weston, MO, offers several charming restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal before or after your visit.
Outside food is generally not permitted on the distillery grounds, especially during tours. It's best to dine at a local restaurant.
The bar serves a variety of Holladay spirits, including their bourbons and Irish cream, often in the form of cocktails.
Weston is known for its historic charm and local eateries. Exploring the town's dining scene is part of the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic buildings, rickhouses, and scenic grounds offer numerous picturesque spots. The original stillhouse and the aging warehouses are particularly photogenic.
Yes, photography is generally allowed during the tour, but always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide.
While most areas are fine for photos, always respect any 'no photography' signs or requests from staff, especially in sensitive production areas.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots of the historic architecture and grounds.
A versatile camera with a good lens for both wide shots of the property and detail shots inside the buildings would be ideal. A smartphone camera is also perfectly capable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The tour itself might be less engaging for very young children, but older kids might find the history and the process of making bourbon interesting. Consider booking an earlier tour when energy levels are higher. Before or after the tour, you can enjoy the scenic property. While the tasting room is for adults, the bar area might offer a non-alcoholic beverage option for younger visitors if available. It's best to check with the distillery directly about their policies for children in different areas.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the tasting is included, be mindful of purchasing bottles, as they can add up. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly experience, focus on enjoying the tour and the history. The beauty of the grounds also offers a great, free visual experience.
💖 Couples & Special Occasions
Many visitors celebrate birthdays or anniversaries here, highlighting the special atmosphere. Consider booking a tour for a specific time and then enjoying drinks at the bar or on the porch before or after. The knowledgeable staff and the beautiful surroundings make it an ideal spot for a date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Ben Holladay Bourbon
The distillery's history is deeply intertwined with that of its founder, Ben Holladay, a prominent figure in the region's development. His original recipe for bourbon is still honored today, emphasizing a commitment to tradition and quality. This historical significance is a major draw for visitors seeking an authentic bourbon experience. The Ben Holladay Bourbon line, including expressions like the Soft Red Wheat Bourbon and Bottled-in-Bond varieties, aims to capture the spirit of this long-standing heritage. Visitors often express excitement about tasting a bourbon that has been crafted using methods and recipes passed down through generations. The distillery's dedication to preserving its past while producing exceptional spirits is a key part of its appeal.
Exploring the Holladay Distillery means stepping back in time. The preserved buildings and the continued use of original equipment contribute to an immersive historical journey. This connection to the past, combined with the quality of the bourbon produced, makes it a must-visit for enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Experiencing a Holladay Distillery Tour
The tour typically takes you through the historic grounds, including the original stillhouse and the impressive rickhouses where the bourbon ages. You'll learn about the unique aspects of Missouri bourbon production, such as the use of Missouri white oak barrels and the aging process in iron-clad rickhouses.
The opportunity to see these processes firsthand, rather than just reading about them, is a major draw for many visitors. Each tour culminates in a bourbon tasting, allowing guests to sample a selection of Holladay's finest spirits. Guides often provide detailed tasting notes and discuss the nuances of each bourbon.
The Unique Appeal of Missouri Bourbon
The distillery's commitment to using the original 160-year-old recipe contributes to this unique identity. A key differentiator for Holladay is its emphasis on local ingredients and aging processes. The bourbon is barreled in Missouri white oak barrels and aged onsite in specialized rickhouses. This local sourcing and aging environment are believed to impart unique characteristics to the spirit.
Visitors often note the distinctiveness of the bourbon, appreciating the regional influence on its taste. Experiencing Holladay Distillery provides a chance to explore a different facet of the bourbon world. It's an opportunity to understand and taste what makes Missouri bourbon special, moving beyond the more commonly known Kentucky bourbon trail.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit